About the practical course

This EMBO Practical Course offers the opportunity to acquire a set of cutting edge EM methods; allowing the participants to integrate EM tools into the workflow of their own cell biological research projects. The course focuses on teaching the theoretical background and the latest practical developments in the field. They include (i) state of the art fixation including cryomethods, (ii) correlative light and electron microscopy, (iii) molecular
mapping (immunoEM), (iv) threedimensional EM imaging using tomography and serial imaging, and (v) advanced quantitative image analysis (stereology, nanomorphomics).

A further unique feature of the course is the training we provide in project/experimental design, often adapted to each of the student projects. Our instructors are experienced in a wide spectrum of scientific projects and systems and during the course they use student project case studies to illustrate solutions to a range of biological questions; demonstrating how to integrate EM into systematic workflows, how to select from the variety of accessible techniques and how to extract and interpret data from their samples. Importantly, the participants leave the course as emergent experts and benefit from continued access to our network of specialists, who provide efficient mentoring, access to highend techniques helping to open up career opportunities.

Modern EM allows structure-function analysis by combining multidisciplinary approaches with physiological, genetic, biochemical data. Current advances in EM are wide ranging and focus on improving resolution, efficient 3D imaging, molecular mapping, correlative imaging, and quantitation. Together they combine to make this approach amongst the most popular in biology. A key challenge is therefore to acquire competence in a wide
range of techniques, and then to learn how to integrate these effectively with other approaches in cell biology. The future lies not in a single EM method but in selecting and implementing appropriate combinations of cutting edge EM.

The EMBO Practical Course has been organized almost yearly with great success. Its strong reputation can be explained by the fact that both total beginners and more experienced students are offered the opportunity to learn advanced EM techniques.

A retrospective analysis has revealed a key role for our EM course in the career progression of former participants who are now high profile group leaders who have also used EM methods learnt during the course. We believe that it is crucial for the scientific community to train new generations of electron microscopists that can integrate modern EM approaches effectively in molecular cell biology.

Selection

Applications will be evaluated by the organizer and co-organizers. The course is limited to 22 participants. Applicants should be aware that in order to be considered for place on this course they have to complete the application page as well as submit a short CV, and a an abstract of your research project giving a concise description of your research, your reasons for wishing to attend and your experience of techniques taught on the course (max 500 words).
Incomplete application will not be considered.

Following guidelines for EMBO practical courses, this event is primarily addressed to students and young researchers. But considering its specificity, we will also promote the attendance of scientists and technical staff of laboratories or facilities who have the potential to spread the acquired techniques to their local scientific communities. All applicants are also invited to mention in their application if they have or will have access to EM equipment after the course.

Successful applicants will be notified by 10 April 2016 and then will be asked to confirm their participation on the course by re-registering and paying the course fee before 15 May 2016. There will be a waiting list of a few applicants and places will be awarded if the possibility arises.

On the first day the students will be expected to describe a summary of their research project in a concise 7 min presentation. Students are encouraged also to present a poster which can be exhibited throughout the course and may provoke discussions during e.g. coffee breaks.

Poster

Height: max 120 cm

Width: max 80 cm

Travel grants

A limited number of travel grants are available for eligible participants. Applicants do not need to apply separately for travel grants for this event. Selection of awardees is handled directly by the organizer who will notify all eligible participants. More information is available at EMBO Travel Grants' page.

České Budějovice or Budweis - is the South Bohemian capital of the Czech Republic, located some 150 km south of the Czech capital Prague. It was founded in 1265 by Přemysl Otakar II and boasts a rich and eventful history. Naturally, Budweis is famous as a brewery town; beer has been brewed here since the 13th century. Currently there are two breweries in Budweis: Budvar, where the genuine Budweiser beer (not the American one!) has been brewed since the beginning of the 19th century, and Samson the town brewery, founded in 1795. The city, as well as the whole region of South Bohemia has many remarkable places ideal for sightseeing, two of them, the medieval town Český Krumlov and village Holašovice , are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Accommodation

Students will be housed in university dormitories, which are located in close proximity to campus 2 min by walk from the course venue. Students will be accommodated in single rooms, each two rooms share a kitchen, separate toilet and bathroom with shower. Meals including breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner will be served in the student's canteen located next to the student's residence. Special food requirements will be taken care of. Facilities for the disabled are available.

Transport

The closest airport – Vaclav Havel Airport Prague – is remote 130 km from Ceske Budejovice. We are planning to pick up arriving participants directly there. Otherwise it is possible to go by train, bus (both approx. 10 Euro) or other transport service (http://www.prague-airport-transfers.co.uk - it will be necessary to communicate the date, the flight number and the precise times of arrival and departure), the travel duration is around 3 hours.
From Linz in Austria: Bus and train approx. 10 Euro, travel duration around 3 hours.
From Vienna International Airport (Austria): Bus and train approx. 42 Euro, travel duration 4.5 hours.
The course will take place at the shared campus of Biology Centre and University of South Bohemia, Branisovska Street 31, Ceske Budejovice, (Google Map). The best way to get there by public transport is to take the bus no.3, direction to “Máj” from the central bus/train station and go to the stop “Jihočeská univerzita”. The ticked (13 CZK) can be purchased at most bus stops. You should go to the building labelled “Biologické centrum”.

Sponsor

The programme for this event was reviewed
and approved by the EMBO Course Committee.